Petrozavodsk is not only the capital of Karelia, but also a beautiful city with a rich history and amazingly beautiful nature. The first settlements appeared here in the 5th-6th century BC. But officially the city appeared in 1703 by order of Peter I, when an arms factory was built on the territory of the settlement. To this day, interesting sights remind of the Petrine era.
A little about the city…
Petrozavodsk is located on the shores of Lake Onega, which is the second largest freshwater lake in Europe. The city is called the port of five seas, since the canals and rivers dotting it flow into the Caspian, Black, White, Barents and B altic Seas. There are many springs on the territory of Petrozavodsk, and beautiful forests stretch in the west. In general, the city is called one of the greenest in Russia. It is not surprising that rest in Petrozavodsk is very popular among tourists. Every year, a lot of lovers of outdoor recreation come to the region.
The city itself is very beautiful and unusual. Ancient buildings, museums, sculptures, and architectural monuments coexist with numerous new buildings.
Climate of the region
Recreation in Petrozavodsk must be planned based on the climate of the region. The city is located in the Far North zone. Therefore, a temperate continental climate with elements of the sea prevails here. Long and snowy winters are mild, but summers are very short and not as warm as we would like. The weather in the region is quite capricious. Most of the time there are cloudy days with sharp temperature drops. Spring comes quite late - in mid-April. Often the cold returns even in May.
And in summer, east winds often blow, bringing heavy showers with them. With the advent of autumn, the winds change direction. In September, the weather is clear, but it is already quite cold, there are even frosts. The coldest months are February and January, while the warmest is July. If you are planning a vacation in Petrozavodsk, then you should come here in the middle of summer. This is the optimal time. But even in July, you need to bring warm clothes in case of a cool wind.
Central Park
Organizing a vacation in Petrozavodsk is not difficult. On the territory of the city itself there are many attractions and simply beautiful places. Finding something to do in the city is quite easy. Particular attention should be paid to the recreation parks of Petrozavodsk, of which there are a lot. No wonder it is called one of the greenest in the country. In general, many attractions and green areas are literally adjacent to each other. The main place worth visiting in the city is the Park of Culture and Leisure of Petrozavodsk. For more than three hundred years, it has been reminding of the historical moment of its foundation. After all, it was on its territory that the very first stone for the blast furnace shop was laid. Subsequently, the city was founded around in the future. By order of Peter I, birch alleys were planted, which became the basis of the first park complex in Russia. The locals call the park differently: Petrovsky Garden, Birch Grove, Park of Culture and Leisure.
These names all refer to the same place. Currently, the park area covers an area of about 13 hectares. It is closely adjacent to the embankment of Lake Onega. The green zone and the promenade harmoniously complement each other. This place of rest in Petrozavodsk (Karelia) is one of the most favorite not only among the townspeople, but also among the guests of the city. Amusements, cafes and restaurants work in the park in summer. According to tourists, this place is definitely worth a visit. Children will appreciate the swing, and parents will be able to have a good time in one of the establishments in the bosom of nature.
Other city parks
Speaking of recreation in Petrozavodsk in the summer, it is worth remembering other city parks. Guests can visit the Three Bears Zoo Complex, the Governor's Park, the Botanical Garden, the Inhabited Island petting zoo, and the 50th Anniversary of the Pioneer Organization park. The city has a lot of beautiful natural places that give it a specialcharm.
For guests of the region, it will be interesting to visit the Botanical Garden, located on the northeastern coast of Lake Onega. The garden is located in one of the most popular places for residents of the city - in the tract "Devil's chair". Its area reaches 360 hectares. The tract received its unusual name due to volcanic processes that took place here more than 2 billion years ago. As a result of the displacement of the earth's crust, the stone parts formed a niche in the form of an armchair.
All guests of the garden are impressed by its unique natural beauty. In 1987, the tract acquired the status of a geological monument of nature. It is a favorite vacation spot for city dwellers. A third of the total area of the garden is occupied by natural forests, and all other lands are divided into zones: administrative, economic and exposition.
City hotels
For those tourists who are planning a vacation in Petrozavodsk in the summer of 2018, there will be relevant information about local hotels. Each guest can easily find a suitable accommodation. Most hotels have three stars on their signs. However, they are in incredible demand among visitors to the city. For a budget holiday, you can recommend hostels and guesthouses. But nature lovers should pay attention to establishments located in ecologically clean places. The most demanding tourists can stay in four-star hotels that offer high-quality rooms.
On average, accommodation in city hostels costs 350 rubles per day, in a mini-hotel - from 950 rubles, and in guest houses - from 1100rubles. Apartments in three-star hotels can be rented for 1300 rubles per day, but in four-star hotels - from 1750 rubles.
Frigate
According to the reviews of tourists, we can recommend the four-star hotel "Fregat", located in a quiet place on the coast of Lake Onega. The establishment offers accommodation in comfortable rooms equipped with modern technology.
The complex has a restaurant, parking for cars. The convenient location of the hotel makes it very popular among tourists. A short walk from the hotel is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Guests highly recommend this establishment.
Ladoga Hotel
From three-star hotels, tourists speak well of the Ladoga Hotel. The small complex offers nice rooms, hammam, hydromassage, indoor pool, WiFi and parking.
The property has its own restaurant. The establishment pleases with a good level of service and a convenient location. At the request of customers, the staff provides a transfer.
Recreation centers
Those tourists who are interested in sports and recreation in Petrozavodsk are advised by experienced travelers to pay attention to bases near the city. There are a lot of them in Karelia, you can find a place for every taste and budget. All of them are located in incredibly picturesque places and allow you to relax in nature and engage in active sports.
Among them there are recreation centers underPetrozavodsk. Tourists recommend the guest house "Tsarevich", located on a rocky isthmus between the amazing spring lakes Ukshezero and Konchezero. The distance from the base to the city is only thirty kilometers. According to the guests, it is hard to find a more beautiful and quiet place for the whole family.
No less attractive for active tourism is the recreation center "Shishki", located 70 km from the city. On its territory there are cottages, which can simultaneously accommodate 80 people. There is also a restaurant and a Russian bath at the base.
All base rooms are equipped with a separate entrance, hallway, all amenities, heated floors, a kitchenette and a spacious living room. Tourists leave the warmest reviews about the time spent at the base. A picturesque place on the shore of the lake - a great option for relaxation.
Very close to the city is the guest house "Khvoyny". It is quite small and can accommodate up to 18 people. It is located on the Shuya River. It will appeal not only to all nature lovers, but also to real fishermen. Comfortable rooms with amenities and active recreation will leave many pleasant impressions.
Holiday souvenirs
When relaxing in Karelia, you should definitely bring something as a keepsake. You can buy unique souvenirs in the shops of Petrozavodsk. Among them, crafts made from Karelian birch are especially popular. The unique and rare wood is the material for beautiful panoramic paintings, jewelry boxes, table clocks, magnets and other trinkets.
One morea unique gift from Petrozavodsk is a real Karelian embroidery, which is created using ancient technologies. The most popular are geometric patterns that add up to figures of people, birds, animals.
On the territory of Karelia there is a unique, the only deposit of the mineral shungite in the world. Specialists have proven the healing properties of stones. You can buy them in any gift shop. Patchwork souvenirs are no less popular among tourists: bedspreads, potholders, tablecloths, and more. Karelian ceramics is no less interesting: pots, glasses, vases made from red clay.
Instead of afterword
Recreation in Petrozavodsk is interesting not only for lovers of sights and museums, which abound in the city, but also for connoisseurs of Karelian nature. Among the many hotels and recreation centers you can find a variety of accommodation options for every taste.
